Apparatus for handling material



R. T. ROMINE 1,876,759

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL Original F ilad llay 5Q 1921 12 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 13, 1932.

v 'Z- M Sept. 13, 1932. R. T. ROMINE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL Original r iledua 5. 1927' 2 sheets-sheet 2 Zn vent-or. Poerf TFom/ne,

s MG b V kt M W ww MN mg w 5 Ma. No, @mm a .lTik b so Mb R w J R \VQ N l wwmmmww hNO orneys.

Sept. 13, 1932. R. T. ROMINE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL Original Filed May 5, 1927 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 jam 2220x- PO/Jff T Form/he Sept. 13, 1932. R. T. ROMINE I APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL Original Filed May 5, 1927 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 Inventor- Faber? T. )Qom/na 9 M filzorrzeys.

Sept. 13, 1932. R. T. ROMINE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL l2 SheetS-Sheet 5 Original Filed May 5, 1927 Inventor:

p 1 1932- R. T. ROMINE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL o i inal Filed May 5. 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 6 MW Mw R. T. QMINE 1,876,759

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL Sept. 13, 1932.

12 Sheets-Shee t 7 Original Filed May 5. 1927 fly Mb fittorn Q25.

' Sept. 13, 1932 R. T. ROMINE APPARATUSAFOR HANDLING MATERIAL Original Filed llay 5. 1927 12 SheetsSheet 8 v fnzz enzo x Robe/"7 TEomme. 2y 5 A I Sept. 13, 1932. R. T. ROMINE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL Original Filed May 5. 1927 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Sept. 13, 1932. R. T. ROMINE 1,876,759

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL Original Filed fla 5, .1927 12 Sheets-Sheet 1o aberf. yam/27;

[72 wnior:

P 1932- R. T. ROMINE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL 12 Sheets-Sheet ll Original Filed llay 5. 1927 Sept. 13, 1932.

R. T. ROMINE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL ori nal Filed May 5. 1927 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 QQ QR I 'Fatentd Sept. 13, 1932 PA ENT orFlcs ROBERT T. ROMINE, OF MOUNT CLEMENS, liIICHIGAN', ASSIGNOR TO IDLING, ING, OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, A CORPGRATION OF DELAWARE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING MATERIAL Original application filed Kay 5, 1927, SerialNo. 189,136. Patent No. 1,772,735, August 12, 1930. Divided and this application filed January 23, 1930. Serial No. 422,844,.

lhis invention relates to a method and apparatus particularly, although not exclusively, adapted for use in the assembling of machines or assembled units such, for example, as automobiles, cars, machinery, etc., one of the objects of the invention being to provide a method and apparatus whereby the assembling of cars or machines or the like may be greatly facilitated, labor costs in both material handling and assembly operations reduced,'plant and plant equipment costs materially reduced, and production increased without correspondingly increasing the overhead and operating costs as is thecase in present day methods. 4

This application is a division of my pending allowed application for method of handling material, Serial No. 189,136, filed May 5, 1927, and patented August 12, 1930, No. 1,772,735.

One of the important features of the in- I vention resides in the fact that it enables an assembly plant, such for example as an automobile assembly plant, to be built and equipped at at least one fifth the cost heretofore necessary for a given production per day. The invention eliminates the necessity of an expensive plant structure, reduces to a minimumthe floor space necessary for a given output, requires merely a single story structure with a ground floor forall operations, eliminates the necessity of costly power driven conveyors, overhead cranes, and other fixed installations heretofore necessary in plants for assembling cars or automobiles. It eliminates a large proportion of the labor costs heretofore required in handling, loading and unloading material. Another important feature of the invention is that the tion and appended claims, references being bad to the accompanying drawings forming a; part of this specificationwherein like reference characters desigiiatc corresponding parts in the several views.

Fig. 1. is a diagrammatical plan view illustrating an assembly plant constructed and laid out in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating certain modifications of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the way in which material or parts may be assembled and crated for shipment to the assembly plant. Fig. 4 is a partly broken away, illustrating the method of assembling material or parts in boxes for shipment.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating one step in the method of assembling parts or material for shipment.

Fig. 6 is a. fragmentary side elevation illustrating a part of the apparatus and one of the iteps in assembling, for example, an automoile. r

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary diagrammatic side elevation showin the final step in the assembly of an automo ile.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation showing a part of the assembly line at an intermediate stage in the assembly of the car.

Fig. 9 is an end elevation illustrating the stage in the assembly shown in Fig. 8. V Fig. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation of the assembly line illustrating diagrammatically certain steps in the sequence of operations.

Fig. 11 is an end elevation showing the point on the assembly line where the assembly operation is completed and the chassis platform or buck is ready to be discharged from beneath the completed car.

Figs. 12 and 13 are transverse sectional elevations illustrating successive steps in the discharge of the chassis platform or buck from beneath the completed car.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the platform or buck upon which the chassis is assembled.

Fig. 15 is a side elevation thereof.

diagrammatic side elevation,

Ice

Fig. 16 is an end elevation thereof partly in section.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation at one point on the assembly line but illustrating a modification of the conveyor apparatus of the invention.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary end elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic view illustrating by diagram the manner in which small or miscellaneous parts for the various assembly operations are handled from the point of manufacture and shipment to the various operl'ations on the assembly line of the assembly ant.

p Before explaining in detail the resent invention and the method or mode 0 operation embodied therein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the detailsofconstruction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of bein practised or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the invention beyond the terms of the several claims hereto appended or the requirements of the prior art.

The invention has been illustrated by way of example as applied to the assembling of automobiles, although it is, of course, adapted to be applied in the assembly of other types of machines, cars, machinery units, etc., and for the purpose of simplifying the description herein, the term car or machine? whereused is understood to mean any such assembled unit.

In applying the invention to the assembling of automobiles the description herein may be considered more readily under the followin sub-divisions, the present application 0 the invention being shown where the parts are manufactured or made at one point or place and shipped or transported to another place for assembly, although this is not essential and the invention is not limited to this feature:

1. The conveyor and assembly apparatus, comprismg a description of the mechanical units forming the apparatus.

2. Assembly plant construction, comprising a description of the assembly lines.

3. Sequence method of boxing or packing assembly parts at point of manufacture and distribution of the parts at the assembly plant.

4. Assembling of the car, including the chassis unit-and the body unit in the case of automobiles.

The convey 0r and assembly apparatus The conveyor apparatus of the present invention. preferably comprlses three main mechanical units, namely: 1, a conveyor way or trackway such as spaced parallel sections of gravity or anti-friction rollers; 2, a series of portable platforms adapted to cooperate with the conveyor way so that the platforms may move in succession thereon in apredetermined path; and 3, one or more lift trucks adapted to deposit the platforms at the entrance end of the conveyor and adapted to remove the platforms at the exit end of the conveyor. The portable platforms for use as a cooperative part of the conveyor apparatus may be constructed in various ways depending upon the particular purposes or functions to be accomplished. In the present application I have illustrated a portable platform or assembly buck embodying certain improved features of construction specially adapted to facilitate the assembly of the chassis of an automobile thereon. I have also showri the portable platform or buck specially adapted for the purpose of assemblin an automobile body thereon. In addition have shown a portable platform adapted for use lIl'COlIlblIlZltlOIl with the other units of the conveyonapparatus in connection with the handling and packing of the parts or material at the place of manufacture, and for carrying the material or parts and depositing the same at the required'points along the as sembly line. v

In addition to the foregoing units of the apparatus I-pre'ferably provide a portable crane or stack lifter U of special construe tion-adapted to handle heavy units, such as cylinder blocks in the case of automobile assembly, or automobile bodies, etc. These units of the apparatus may be placed at predetermined points along the assembly or sub-assembly lines to transfer material from point to point, thereby eliminating considerable manual labor and time, obviating the necessity of fixed overhead crane installations and providing a readily portable unit which can be moved from point to point on the lift platform of a power driven lift truck.

The conveyor apparatus preferably embodies the use of the gravity roll sections with portable platforms having runners or skids to travel thereon, such as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 6 and 8. The conveyor way or trackway may, however, be constructed the reverse of 'this preferred form as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. In this modified form the conveyor way or trackway may comprise channel ways, and the platforms may be provided with casters travelling therein, as will be more fully described later.

Gram'ty 01' anti-friction roller sections. As shown in Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive, 9 to 13 inclusive and 16, the conveyor ways or tracks over which theportable platforms or bucks are caused to travel in succession to permit the chassis or the body of the car to be assembled, comprise in the preferred form spaced parallel sections of gravity or antifriction rolls R. The sections of each track or guideway may be of any suitable length and are ositioned end to end and held in proper a ignment. Each section may comprise a pair of angle bars9 and 10 havin horizontal flanges extending inwardly and secured to the floor. The vertical flanges of the angle bars are suitably spaced apart and journalled therein are a series of antl-friction rollers 11 forming a continuous anti-friction wardly and may be secured to the floor. In

this instance the gravity roll sections are not provided with guides for the platforms, since this is not essential.

Portable platform P.The platforms P shown in Figs. 3 to 5 inclusive, 9 and 18 comprise a load supporting floor 15 which may be formed of a series of cross boards. Beneath the floor at each longitudinal side is located a T-shaped truss member which may be constructed in the form of a pair of angle bars 16 positioned back to back as in Figs. 3 and 5,

or an integral T-shaped bar as shown at 17 in Fig. 9. Suitable legs 18 are mounted at the outer sides of the vertical flanges of the truss members, and each pair of le s at each side of the platform is connected y means of a guide runner or skid 19. This runner may be in the form of a channel bar embrac-' ing the lower ends of the legs and adapted to travel freely over the anti-friction rollers.

' The vertical flange 166 (Fig. 5) or 17 b .(Fi'g.v

9) of the truss members 16 or 17 provide spaced guides for the lift platform L of the lift truck T when introduced between the legs 18 of the platform. The inwardly extending horizontal flange 16a (Figs. 3 and 5) or 17a (Fig. 9) assist in supporting the floor and overlie the truck platform so as to receive and distribute the full length of the platform floor the upward thrust of the lift truck platform.

Chassis assembly platform 0P.The

- portable platform GP upon which the chassis of the car is assembled preferably comprises a load supportingfloor or top of skeleton construction, permitting the workmen to stand and work between the sides and ends of the platform. Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the chassis assembly platform OP comprises a rectangular frame, substantially the entire space between the marginal frame members being open to permit the operators to stand therein during the assembly of the machine. This frame may comprise a air of spaced lon 'tudinal angle bars 20 igs. 8 and 9) which are connected together at opposite ends of the platform or buck by means of structural'I-beams or members 21 mounted thereon, the frame'members 20 and 21 being riveted together to form a rigid supportin frame.

It Wlll be particularly noted that the transverse frame members 21 (see especially Fig. 9) are mounted on top of the inwardly extending horizontal flanges 20aof the angle bars 20, and the members 21 have a bottom horizontal flange 210: (see Fig. 8) riveted to the angles 20, a vertical central web 216, and

a top horizontal flange 210. The flange 210 provides a flat supporting surface for vertical brackets 22 constructed to support the chassis sills 23. .F our of the brackets or supports 22 are provided, two at each end of the platform mounted on the transverse frame members 21. -Each bracket comprises a bottom horizongal flange 22a bolted to the flange 210, an upwardly extending web 22?), and terminates at its upper end in a notch portion 220. The notched portion provides a rest for the bottom of the chassis sill 23 and also a projecting abutment 22d adapted to engage the side of the sill 23 and prevent lateral movement or displacement thereof. From this construction it will be seen that each chassis sill 23 is releasably supported on a pair of brackets 22 each constructed to maintain the sills againstsidewise displacement during the assembly operations.

The portable platform CP shown in Figs. 8 and. 9 also comprises a-pair of supporting legs 24 at each side of the platform. .E'ach.

leg is secured to thevertical flange 20b of the angle truss 20 through the medium of a pressed steel gusset plate 25. Each gusset plate comprises a vertical flange 256 postioned back to back with .the flange 20b and an outwardly extending flange 250 at its upper end which assists in supporting one of the transverse members 21 and is riveted thereto. Each leg 24 comprises a vertical channel bar 24a havinga central web thereof rivetedto .the flange 25b of the gusset plate and also to the vertical guideflange 20b of the angle 20. Each leg also may comprise brace bars 24?; secured at the lower end thereof to the lower end of the channel leg and bent upwardly and outwardly and provided with horizontal attaching portions 240 riveted to the under side of the flange 250 of the gusset plate. The lower ends of each pair of legs 24 at each side ofzthe platform are Joined by means of a lengthwise extending channelshaped runner 26 preferably of the same construction as the channel runner 19 abovedescribed, and adapted to travel freely on the gravity roll sections 3.

Referringto Figs. 10 to 13 inclusive, the

chassis assembling platform CP in this instance comprises spaced lengthwise extend- 1ng T-bars 27 instead of the angle bars 20 and gusset plates 25 shown in Figs. 8 and 9. In this embodiment of the invention the T- bars 27 form longitudinal frame members upon which are supported and secured the transverse frame members 21. The legs are mounted at the outer sides of the vertical guide flanges 27a of the T-bars, the channel portion 24 of each leg being riveted to the flange 27a and the V-shaped brace members 24?) being secured to the outwardly extending horizontal flange 27b of the T-bar. The construction of this form of chassis assembly platform otherwise is the same as the construction shown in Figs. 8 and 9. It will be noted that the chassis assembly platform CP as in the case of the platform P above described is constructed for use with a lift truck T. The lift platform L of the truck T may be introduced between the legs 24, and will be guided into proper position by means of the vertical guide flanges 2% (Figs. 8 and 9) or 27a (Figs. 10 to 13-inclusive). When the truck platformL is lifted or elevated to pick up the platform or buck GP and its load to transport them the upward thrust of the truck platform L will be taken by the inwardly extending flanges 20a (Fig. 9) or 27?) (Figs. 10 to 13 inclusive) which act as trusses to distribute the load the full length of the platform or buck CP.

Body assembly platform BP.Referring to'Figs. 14 to 16 inclusive, the body of the car may be assembled on a portable platform or buck BP. This platform also comprises a floor or top portion of skeleton construction which is supported at opposite longitudinal sides unon lengthwise extending T-bars 28. Each T-bar, as in the case of the chassis platform CP above described, and the portaable platform P, comprises tending vertical flange 28a forming a guide for the lift platform of a truck when introduced beneath the platform and also forming means for attaching the legs thereto. Each T-bar also comprises integral outwardly and inwardly extending horizontal flanges 28b and 280, respectively, providing a supporting surface for the transverse frame members of the platform. The inwardly extending flanges 280 also provide means for receiving and distributing the upward thrusts of the truck platform when introduced between the guide flanges 28a and elevated to lift and carry the platform with its load. The top or floor of the platform BP comprises a plurality of-parallel transverse channel members 29 which are secured to the flanges 28b and 280 of each T-bar through the medium of suitable gusset plates 30. The gusset plates 30 at the four corners of the platform may be connected together by means of (baga downwardly exonally extending tie bars 31 and 32 which are also riveted at their point of intersection to the central channel member 29' as shown in Fig. 14.

The platform or buck BP is supported at each side by means of a pair of legs 33. Each leg may comprise a vertical channel bar 33a riveted to the outer side of the flange 28a, and also a V or U-shaped brace member comprising a flat steel bar bent to embrace the lower end of the channel 33a and having outwardly and upwardly bent portions 33?) provided at their upper ends with bent attaching portions 330 bolted to the flange 28b.

The platform or buck Bl? 1s provided at each side with a series of upstanding brackets upon which the body sills 34 are mounted and held in position during the assembly operations. The body sills are shown in dotted lines in Figs. 14 to 16 inclusive. corner of the buck is mounted a bracket 35 shaped to receive the body sill. The central portion 35a of the bracket is provided with a projecting centering pin 35?) which extends through a hole in the sill 34-. and maintains it in proper position. At each side of this centering pin each bracket 35 is provided with an adjusting screw 36 upon which a portion of the sill is supported. The adjusting screws 36 may be adjusted so as to level the sill and are provided with lock nuts to fix the adjustment. Intermediate the corner brackets-35 of the platform are located additional upstanding brackets 37 also constructed to support a portion of the body sill 34 and each of these brackets is provided with adj usting screws 38 for maintaining the body sill in level position. To permit the body platform BP to travel over the sections of gravity rolls R, the lower ends of the legs 33 are connected at each side of the platform by means of detachable channel-shaped runners 39, this construction being substantially the same as above described in connection with the portable platform P and the chassis assembly platform GP.

From the foregoing it will be noted that each of the portable platforms or bucks P, GP and BP upon which the material or parts are boxed, (Figs. 3 to 5 inclusive) or upon which the chassis of the car and the body of' the car are assembled, is constructed to permit the lift platform L of a lift truck T to be introduced between the legs and beneath the supporting floor or frame of the latform orbuck. Each of these portable p atforms may therefore be picked upon the lift platform L of the electric truck and transported from point to point. Where theportable platform P is used for assembling parts in boxes for shipment, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5 inclusive. or or supporting the parts along the assembly line, as shown in Figs. 6, 9 and 18, the platform may be provided with a solid floor made up of a number of cross boards 15.

At each Where the portable platform P, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5 inclusive and 9, is to be used no connection with the sections of gravity rolls, the platform is preferably provided with spaced runners 19 adapted to travel on the gravity rolls. Wherever the platforms are not used with the gravity rollers the channel runners or skids 19 may be detached or omit ted as shown on the right in Fig. 18 and also cated a traversing boom 41, preferably in the posite' ends of the frame each comprising form of a pair of parallel spaced connected I-beams 41a and 416, see Fig. 8. This boom is adapted to travel longitudinally on trolleys 42 (Fig. 8) which support the boom at op trolley wheels cooperating with the inner flanges of the Z-beams 41a and 41b. Each trolley 42 is suspended from and swiveled to a trolley -43 at each end of the frame. Each trolley 43 has two pairs of trolley wheels 43a (Fig. 8) and 43b (Fig. 3) which embrace oppositesides of one of the transverse lI-beams of the frame and travel on the flanges thereof. Thisconstruction permits the boom 41 to be shifted lengthwise, sidewise and also to swing laterally within the arched frame. Mounted on the boom is a hoisting unit 44, including an electric motor and hoist hook, carried bytrolleys permitting the hoisting unit to be s hiftedlongitudinally of the boom. Operatingmechanism is provided for shifting or propellin the unit 44 alon the boom, this mechanism being controlledy a chain fall 45. The hoisting unit 44 has a depend ing hoist block and hook by means of which a.

load may be connected thereto, hoisted, transferred. to any point along the boom and deposited. The hoisting unit is operated by means of an electric motor 46 supplied with power from a battery mounted in a housing 47. Adetailed description of the stack lifter U is not deemed necessary herein, since the same is fully described in my co-pending ap-- plications Serial No. 129,139, filed it u ust 14, 1926, and Serial No. 165,379, filed 17 e ruary 2, 1927. r I

Ghc'zssz's assembly platform RP.Referring to Figs. 17 and 1-8 I have illustrated a modified form of portable platform 6r buck upon which the chassis of the automobile may be assembled. As in the case of the chassis' platform GP above'described, the platform or buck RP comprises a load supporting floor of skeleton frame construction. This frame 4 comprises a pair of spaced longitudinal truss members, angular in cross section, such as angle bars 50 which are connected at opposite ends by means of structural I-beams or members. 51 mounted thei'eon. Mounted on the upper horizontal flanges of the bars 51 are upstanding brackets 52 upon' which the sills 23 of the chassis are supported. The above parts 50 to 52 inclusive are identical with the corresponding parts 20 to 22 inclusive of the above described platform or buck GP.

Riveted to the outer side of the vertical flange 50b of each member 50 adjacent egch end thereof is a pressed steel gussetylate 53 having an upper out-turned horizontal flange 53a w flange 53b. The flanges 53a, 53b, and the vertical web of the gusset plate are integrally joined by means of strengthening webs 530.

Secured to the bottom of the flange 53b of each, gusset plate is a caster wheel structure, a pair 54 at the rear end of the platform and a pair 55 at the forward end thereof, which include casters 54a and 55a respectively. In

the present instance the front caster wheels 55a are swiveled so as to turn freely, while out projecting inwardly beyond the plane ofthe guide flanges 50b, so that when the lift truck platform L is propelled between the guides 50b it will at no time strike the caster wheels and damage the same. I t V .The conveyor apparatus of Figs. 17 and 18 is simply the reverse of the preferred fof'lla above described where the conveyor ways 2 tracks-comprise spaced roller sections and I the legs of the platform GP or BP travel thereon. In this instance the conveyor ways ich assists in supporting the frame bar: 51 and having a bottom out-turned horizontal its or tracks comprise spaced channel ways R and the rollers or casters 54a and 55a of the buck RP travel therein in .a pre-defined pail. alongthe assembly line. These channel ways permit the introduction of the lift truck platform L therebetween at the entrance and exit ends of'the conveyor to ermit the'trucl either to'deposit the buck B in the chalnnel ways at the entrance, or lift and carry it from the exit end of the conveyor. I

Portable stack lifter Z7 .-As shown in Fig.

'10 I have provided a ortable stack lifter or crane U especially a apted for the purpose of handling automobile bodies. Thisstack red lifter in many respects is similar to the stack able telescopic sections 75a and 756 permit-' ting the height of the crane to be varied as desired. Extending longitudinally between the spaced pairs of legs 75 are a pair of paral lel traversing booms 76 and 77 (Figs. 1 and 2) each preferably in the form of a pair of parallel spaced connected I-beams 76a, 76b

' and 77a, 7712 respectively (Fig. 10). Each boom 76 and 77 is adapted to travel longitudinally on a pair of trolleys 78 which support the boom at opposite front and rear ends of the arched frame. Each trolley 78, four being provided, comprises pairs of trol ley wheels 7 8a, cooperating with the opposed inner flanges of the I-beams 77a, and 77?). Each trolley 78 is suspended from and swiveled to a trolley 79 at each front and rear end of the frame. The several trolleys 79 each comprises two pairs of trolley wheels 79a which embrace opposite sides of one of the transverse I-beams 7 5c of the frame and travel transversely on the flanges thereof.

This construction permits the booms 76 and.

77 to be traversed longitudinally, laterally and also to swing laterally within the arched frame.

The booms 76 and 77 are connected together by means of a hoist frame 80, substantially rectangular in construction. The frame at opposite sides carries upstanding brackets 81 and 82 carrying short shafts upon which are mounted trolley wheels 83 embracing opposite sides of each boom 76 and 77 and traveling thereon. The hoist frame 80 may be shifted independently along the booms 76 and 77 by means of suitable mechanism such as shown and described in my above mentioned application Serial No. 165,379, filed Februar ,qs1927, operated by means of a chain fall 84.

In handling automobile bodies a'spreader frame 85 may be provided, which is raised and lowered relatively to the frame 80 by means of cables 86 traveling over idlers mounted at; 87 and operated by means of electricall'y controlled hoist mechanism generally designated at 88. Suspended from the frame 85 are rods 89 having hooks 90, three being preferably provided in the case of automobile bodies, two to be hooked into the rear of the body and one at the front. K

In Figs. 1 and 2 I have illustrated ;two types of lifters U one having a short frame and the other a long frame, dependin upon the preferred method employed in e ecting the transfer ofthe body from the final trim line to the chassis line. In Fig. 1 the body is lifted off the buck BP at the end of the the chassis and deposited thereon at Z. In Fig. 2 the buck BP and the body are picked up at the exit end 62 of the trim line by means of a lift truck T and conveyed to the dotted line position shown at 91 where the body is lifted from the buck by means of the stack lifter U conveyed and deposited on the chassis at point Z. It will be noted, see Figs. 1 and 10, that the large type lifter U is adapted to span the aisle space between the trim line and chassis line, and is adjusted to such a height as not to impede the travel of the lift trucks T transversely beneath the arched frame.

Assembly plant construction In Fig. 1 I have illustrated an assembly plant laid out for the purpose of assembling automobiles, this form and use of the invention being shown for the purpose of illustration. The plant need require but a ground floor with a suitable building H to house the equipment. Laid on the floor of the plant and preferably extending around three sides of the building are sections of gravity or anti-friction rollers R forming a continuous conveyor or trackway from the entrance point X to the exit point Y of the assembly line. v This conveyor way forms, in the present instance, the main or chassis assembly line, designated as such in Fig. 1 for convenience. In the present embodiment the chassis assembly line is located closely adjacent the inner walls H H and H of the building, where assembly parts are to be positioned for the workmen at one sideonly of the assembly line. Where necessary for particular manufacturing requirements, a sufficient space may be provided between the chassis assembl line and the walls of the building to permit parts or material to be deposited at both sides of the lines instead of at one side as shown by way of example in Fig. 1.

The chassis of the car may be assembled complete on the conveyor platform or buck CP, the several platforms being deposited empty at the entrance point X in succession by means of the lift truck T substantially in the same manner as shown in Fig. 4. When each platform OP reaches the point Z the chassis thereon has, during the course of its travel, been completely assembled and at this point the body is assembled on the chassis. When the car is completed the wheels thereof travel onto raised guideways N (Figs. 7, 11 and 12). At this point the platform CP is removed from supporting engagement with the chassis frame and is discharged and transferred to a point where it may be readily picked up by a lift truck and returned to the assembly line again.

As shown in Figs. 1, 7, 12 and 13, the conveyor sections B may be depressed at Q, and projected laterally at an inclineso that the platform will drop of itsown accord from beneath the car as shown in full lines in Fig.

\ inclined approach-to permit a truck T to be 7, travel by avity down the incline and out from beneat the runway N as shown in Fig. 1. The conveyor sections in the present instance extend at V (Figs. 1 and 13) through a short tunnel beneath a suitable section of removable flooring and .terminating in stops S (Fig. 7) at an opening l/V having an friction rollers forming conveyor ways or tracks R, as in the case of the main or chassis assembly line. At one end of the body assembly and trim lines is a transverse connecting conveyor section 61 whereby the empty platform or buck Bl? may be transferred from the end of the trim line at 62, after a completed body has beentransferred therefrom to the chassis at Z, to the entrance end 63 of the body frameassembly line.

It will be understood that from the point v 63 as the buck'BP travels in thedirection of the arrows down the sub-assembly line the frame of the body is assembled on the buck, and this operation is completed when the buck BP .reaches the end; of the lines at 64.

i From this point the buckor platform BP with the, body may lee-picked up by a lift truck and carried to a'point (not shown) where the body is painted, lacquered or enameled, after which the body is returned on the buck by meansof the truck and deposited at the entrancend 65 of the trim line. The buck Bl carrying the body, travels in the directions of the arrows along this sub-assembly line until it reaches the exit point62 where the body is lifted from the buck, con-.

veyed and deposited on the chassis" at point Z on the chassis or main assembly line.

The chassis and body assembly lines, which may be termed the outer main and interme: diate sub-assembly lines, are so located on the plantfioor as to provide suitable aisle spaces therebetwee'n at each longitudinal side of the intermediate assembly and at each end thereof. This is im ortant to facilitate manipulation' of the. lift trucksT. Moreover, a I predetermined longitudinal area is provided along the side of the chassis assembly line, which area is defined by the imaginary lines 66 (Fig. 1), for the positioning or distribution of platforms Palong the assemblv ylline. These platforms (see also Figs, 6, 17

and 18) support the material or parts to be assembled in the car. In like manner, at the opposite sides of the body and trim lines corresponding, lon 'tudinal areas are provided, which are de inary lines 67 and 68 in Fig. 1.. Withm these areas are positioned or distributed along 79 the body and trim assembly lines the platforms P which carry the material or parts to be assembled at the respective assembly lines.

The material or parts in boxes on the platforms P are carried from the freight car or storage lant through the doorway D on the lift truc platforms L, as shown at 69, 70, 71, 72 and 73 (Fig. 1). These platforms P are all deposited along the outer and intermediate assembly lines, within the areas 66, 0

67 and 68, in parallel relation but at an angle or slant to the assembly lines. The platforms P furthermore are placed so that the outer ends thereof face in the direction in which the material is brought to the assembly lines.

This method has three important advantages:

. (1) reduces the width of the aisles and the floor area required.

(2) facilitates more rapid operation of the trucks by requiring a minimum of turning and enabling the trucks to be propelled directly beneath the platforms to remove them when empty, and

(3) provides working spaces at the sides and ends of the platforms to facilitate assembly work by the workmen.

'Suh-asaembZies.At' any required point along the main or intermediate assembly lines, depending upon the character of the machine or car being assembled, ll may pro- 1 vide additional sub-assemblies, one thereof being shown at 92, Figs. 1 and 2. In the present instance the sub-assembly 92 is provided for completing the assembly of the motor unit. As will be later described (Fig. mm B) the motors may be assembled in boxes at the point of manufacture, and shipped to the assembly plant. The boxed motors, which have been previously shipped, are carried into the assembly plant H on a lift truck 110 'T to thepoint 93 one, portable platform P.

The sub-assembly 92 comprises in its preferred form spaced sections of. anti-friction rollers R (Figs. 1, '2 and 9). A stack lifter U is positioned at the entrance end 92a of the assembly line 92. -This lifter straddles the spaced trackways and extends longitudinally thereof. The motors may be lifted out of the box carried on the platform P at point 93 an deposited on another platform 122 P shown in Fig. 9 which has previously been deposited on the roller trackw'ays beneath the L arched frame of the lifter. This platform is caused to travel over te roller sections R of the sub-assembly 92, as shown at v94 in Figs; 1 and 2, during which time motor parts, such as the clutch, etc., are assembled in the motor.. This platform finallv travels beheath a second stack lifter positioned at 95 crosswise of the sub-assembly linesdgg; 1-3-3 ed respectively by imagf and shown in Fig. 9.. The completed motor is picked up by the stack lifter mechanism from platform P, conveyed and deposited on the chassis, as shown at the left in Fig. 9. The motor parts which are assembled in the motor unit along the sub-assembly line 92 are carried on portable platforms P disposed at the side of the assembly line at 96. After the motor units have been removed from the sub-assembly platform in the manner shown in Fig. 9 the empty platform is caused to travel to the exit end 97 of the conveyor ways 92 at which point it is picked up by a lift truck T.

Sequence method of boxing or packing assembly parts and distribution at assembly plant As hereinbefore stated the present invention is shown, for the purposes of illustration, as applied to the assembling. of automobiles. Where it is desired to assemble the parts of the car, at the main manufacturing plant, in boxes or containers which are shipped to another part of the country or to a foreign country and there unboxed and assembled in the machine, the invention may be divided into two phases. The first phase contemplates assembling the machine or car parts in boxes in accordance with a predetermined sequence, the assembling and boxing of the parts being preferably accomplished by means of an improved conveyor apparatus, shown in my co-pending application, Serial No. 120,303, filed July 3, 1926. r The second phase contemplates the distribution of the boxes or the point ofshipment. It will be noted that this conveyor method and apparatus are also employed at the assembly plant (Figs. 1 and 2) for progressively assembling the car or machine. For the purposes of illustration, Figs. 3. to 5 inclusive show the method and apparatus as utilized for boxing motors for shipment, the same method of couse being preferably employed in boxing or crating the other parts, such as springs, assis sills and other frame parts, axles, wlks, rims, body panels, doors, etc.

Referring to Figs. 3 to 5 inclusive, the spaced. roller conveyor ways R (above described) are laid in sections on the plant floor, and extend the required distance. Where heavy units, such as engines 'or motors, are being crated, the motors 98 may be conveyed to the proper point along the ways R by means of a gravity roll conveyor B (Fig. 3). In handling such heavy units I prefer to employ a stack lifter U, described above, which is placed crosswise of the ways R and straddlesthe same in such manner as to permit the portable platforms P to travel freel on the ways R beneath the arched frame 0 the lifter.

The portable platforms P are deposited at the entrance end 99 of the conveyor way by means of a lift truck T. This lift truck is power driven and has the usual lift platform L which may be propelled into position beneath the platform P, lift it, and carry it into position to deposit it on the conveyor or trackways R. Such a truck is preferably constructed in accordance with my applica tion, Serial No. 118,584, filed June 25, 1926. It will be noted that the ways R are spaced apart so as to permit the load carrying wheels W beneath the lift-platform L to be introduced therebetween enabling the forward end of the truck to be propelled far enough between the ends of the conveyor ways so that the platform P may be deposited directly thereon. It will be understood that'when the electric lift truck T is introduced between the ways It the lift platform L is in its elevated position and hence carries the runners 19. of the portable platform above the gravity rolls. The lift platform is then lowered causing the runners 19 to rest on the gravity rollers 14. The truck is then backed out for a succeeding operation.

The bottom 101 of the box or crate is then built or placed on the portable platform P, see Fig. 4. Thence the platform is moved into position beneath the crane U. As shown in Fig. 3 the hoist unit 43 is propelled on the boom of the crane to the dotted line operated to pick up a motor 98, then propelled rearwardly to the full line position, and the motor deposited on the bottom 101 of the box. Afterthe required number of motors have been deposited on the box bottom, the platform is moved forwardly on the conveyor ways and the workmen proceed to build up the box 102 around the assembled motors. When the platform P with the completed box or crate reaches the exit point of the Ways R, an-electric lift truck is propelled into position between the spaced ways and beneath the platform. The lift platform Lis elevatedto raise the portable platform and its load from the ways; then the truck is backed out as shown in Fig. 5 and the box 102 carried directly to the freight car for transportation or to storage.

The box 102 thus contains assembly parts which are assembled on the bar at the plant H (Figs. 1 and 2) at a predetermined point position,

on the assembly line. Assuming this point 

